Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Analysis Skills, Budget Management, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Die Casting, Documentation, Engineering, Identify Issues, Improvement Metrics, Industrial Engineering, Machine Tool, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Analysis, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Operational Improvement, Operational Measurement, Operational Strategy, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Process Manufacturing, Product Design, Product Support, Production Support, Production Systems, Productivity Management, Requirements Management, Root Cause Analysis, Safety/Work Safety, Technical Support, Time Management, Trend Analysis
Manufacturing Process Engineer (Continuous Improvement)
Waterloo, Iowa, United States Job Openings Manufacturing Process Engineer (Continuous Improvement)
Manufacturing Process Engineer (Continuous Improvement & Throughput Optimization)
Location: Onsite – Waterloo, IowaEmployment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time Work Model: 100% Onsite Compensation: $90,000 – $95,000 base salary Benefits: Full benefits package Relocation: Open to Midwest relocation Openings: 1
The Opportunity
HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for a leading manufacturing organization seeking a highly capable Manufacturing Process Engineer to support efficiency, throughput, and process excellence at its Waterloo, Iowa facility. This is a high-priority role for an engineer who thrives in hands-on production environments and enjoys solving complex process challenges through data, continuous improvement, and strong cross-functional partnership. The ideal candidate brings a proven ability to improve manufacturing performance while balancing quality, safety, and cost objectives.
Role Overview
The Manufacturing Process Engineer will lead efforts to optimize manufacturing workflows, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency. This role partners closely with both Manufacturing and Product Design teams to ensure processes are scalable, repeatable, and aligned with production and design requirements. While industry background is flexible, candidates must have strong process or manufacturing engineering experience and the ability to execute improvement initiatives from analysis through implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Candidates will be considered for interview based on demonstrated ability to:
- Develop, optimize, and enhance manufacturing processes to improve productivity, safety, quality, and throughput
- Partner cross-functionally to transition new technologies, equipment, and process improvements on schedule and within budget
- Lead root cause analysis efforts, corrective actions, and preventative improvement initiatives
- Analyze manufacturing performance data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
- Implement cost-reduction and waste-reduction initiatives that drive measurable operational impact
- Monitor and improve key metrics including cycle time, yield, scrap rates, and overall equipment effectiveness
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support to production teams during process disruptions
- Train and guide production personnel on updated procedures, equipment changes, and new process standards
- Maintain and update critical documentation including: APQP deliverables, machine setup procedures, work instructions, gage and inspection standards
- Support Product Design teams to ensure manufacturability of both existing and new product designs
- Own and support tooling systems including molds, dies, fixtures, gauges, and related process equipment
- Deliver engineering projects with strong accountability to specifications, timelines, and cost expectations
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
These qualifications are mandatory. Candidates who do not meet them will not be considered.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (required)
- Proven experience in manufacturing engineering or process engineering within an industrial production environment
- Strong background supporting manufacturability and collaboration with product design functions
- Demonstrated experience working with tooling systems such as molds, dies, fixtures, and gauges
- Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into action
- Ability to work fully onsite in Waterloo, Iowa
Preferred Qualifications (Standout Differentiators)
Top candidates will bring:
- Experience in die casting or similarly complex manufacturing environments
- Prior ownership of project-based process improvements or equipment implementations
- Familiarity with APQP, structured quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies
- A track record of delivering measurable throughput, cost, or yield improvements
Location & Relocation Notes
- This is a 100% onsite position based in Waterloo, Iowa
- Relocation candidates from anywhere in the Midwest are welcome
- Strong execution and long-term commitment are valued for this high-impact opportunity
HireNow Staffing Disclaimer
HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for this role. All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements. This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and business growth. Only candidates meeting the core qualifications will be considered for interview.